7 Construction Lift Types to Conquer Any Terrain & Height

Driving past a high-rise construction site, you’ve probably noticed the towering machines extending workers and materials skyward with precision. These aerial work platforms (AWP), integral to vertical construction, are engineered to meet specific project demands.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential construction lift types in use today:

• Boom Lifts: Versatile aerial platforms with articulating and telescopic options for reaching high, hard-to-access areas.
• Scissor Lifts: Vertical lifts ideal for indoor and outdoor use, offering stable platforms for various heights.
• Forklifts: Essential for material handling, available in various types like telehandlers for heavy lifting on rough terrain.
• Cherry Pickers: Also known as bucket trucks, these provide flexible aerial access for construction and maintenance.

From material handling to aerial access, the right lift can streamline operations and reduce downtime. Keep reading to quip yourself with the insights needed to choose the perfect lift for any job site condition…

Understanding Construction Lifts and Their Importance

Construction lifts are key in modern building projects. They help workers and materials reach high places safely. These aerial work platforms make construction sites safer and work more efficient.

Definition and Purpose of Construction Lifts

Construction lifts lift workers and equipment to high spots on job sites. They come in many types, each for different construction needs. Scissor lifts and boom lifts are vital for tasks that need work at height.

Safety and Efficiency Benefits

Construction lifts make workers much safer. Over 24,000 construction workers get hurt each year from falls on stairs and ladders, says OSHA. Lifts cut down on these risks. They also make work faster and safer, helping projects finish quicker.

Key Factors in Choosing the Right Lift

Choosing the right lift is key to a project’s success. You should think about:

• Job site conditions
• Power source compatibility
• Required height and reach
• Weight capacity needs
• Space restrictions

Lift Type	Max Height	Best For
Scissor Lift	10-60 feet	Window cleaning, cladding
Boom Lift	Over 100 feet	Outdoor use, hard-to-reach areas
Cherry Picker	30-160 feet	Multiple worker tasks

Boom Lifts: Versatile Aerial Work Platforms

Boom lifts are key in construction and maintenance. They come in three types: articulating, telescopic, and towable. Each type has its own benefits for different tasks.

Articulating Boom Lifts

Articulating boom lifts have many joints for precise placement in tight spots. They’re great for tasks like building upkeep and cutting trees. Models like the Hered HA14JE have better battery life and efficient AC drives.

Telescopic Boom Lifts

Telescopic boom lifts are perfect for high places. They can go up to 28m high and 24m out, which is ideal for big outdoor projects and high building upkeep.

Towable Boom Lifts

Towable boom lifts are great for moving around the job site. They’re easy to transport, making them a smart choice for small contractors or rental services.

Boom Lift Type	Max Height	Key Features	Ideal Applications
Articulating	Up to 150 feet	Multiple joints, precise positioning	Building maintenance, tree trimming
Telescopic	Up to 210 feet	Extended reach, straight boom	Tall building work, construction
Towable	Up to 55 feet	Portable, cost-effective	Small-scale projects, rental use

Boom lifts boost safety and efficiency on the job. They’re essential for tasks needing a lot of up and down movement. When picking a boom lift, think about the height you need, the job site, and what you’re doing. This will help you choose the best aerial platform for your project.

Articulating Boom Lifts: Flexible and Maneuverable

Articulating boom lifts, also known as knuckle lifts, are great for construction projects. They have a bendable arm with many joints. This lets workers easily move around obstacles.

Features and Capabilities

These lifts can reach up to 150 feet high. They are perfect for getting into tight spots. Many are made for indoor use, which is ideal for warehouses or factories.

Ideal Applications

Knuckle lifts are great for many tasks:

• Maintenance work in hard-to-reach areas
• Electrical installations in complex environments
• Painting projects requiring precise positioning
• Construction tasks in confined spaces

They are a top pick for many industries.

Electric vs. Gas-Powered Options

Electric articulating boom lifts are great for indoor use. They don’t produce emissions, making them safe inside. Gas-powered models have more reach and power but are best for outside use. Both types are key for modern construction and maintenance.

Telescopic Boom Lifts: Reaching New Heights

Telescopic boom lifts, also known as straight boom lifts, are top choices for construction tasks. They offer great vertical and horizontal reach. With a single extendable arm, they can reach up to 210 feet. This makes them perfect for jobs that need a lot of reach but not a lot of space to move.

Common Applications

Straight boom lifts are great for many outdoor jobs. They’re often used for tree trimming, HVAC maintenance, and helping people on roller coasters. Their stable platform at high heights makes these tasks safe and efficient.

Features and Capabilities

When picking a telescopic boom lift, think about the power options. Diesel models are strong and work well on rough terrain. Electric ones aren’t yet available, but hybrid models offer flexibility for different outdoor conditions.

• Maximum height: Up to 210 feet
• Best for: Outdoor tasks needing stable platforms at high heights
• Power options: Diesel and hybrid
• Key features: Exceptional vertical and horizontal reach

Safety and Efficiency

Telescopic boom lifts make working at heights safer and more efficient. They’re cost-effective for projects needing access to high places. By choosing the right lift, you can increase productivity and keep workers safe on your construction site.

Scissor Lifts: Vertical Lifting Solutions

Scissor lifts are great for many industries. They give stable and efficient access to high places. This makes them very useful in construction, warehousing, and keeping buildings in good shape.

Electric Scissor Lifts for Indoor Use

Electric scissor lifts are perfect for inside buildings. They don’t make much noise and don’t emit any pollution. This makes them great for places like shopping malls, warehouses, and offices.

These lifts are great for tasks like changing light bulbs or cleaning windows.

Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts for Outdoor Projects

Outdoor scissor lifts are made for tough jobs. They have four-wheel drive and strong tires to move on rough ground. These lifts run on diesel, petrol, or LPG, making them perfect for building sites and big projects.

Platform Capacity and Size Considerations

Scissor lifts come in many sizes and can carry different amounts of weight. Some can lift up to 2,750 pounds. The size of the platform can be changed to fit what you need for the job.

Lift Type	Max Height	Power Source	Best Use
Electric Scissor Lift	46-55 feet	Battery	Indoor work, painting
Rough Terrain Scissor Lift	56 feet	Diesel	Outdoor construction
Hydraulic Scissor Lift	Varies	Hydraulic fluid	Heavy-duty applications

Forklifts: Essential Material Handling Equipment

Forklifts are key for moving materials on construction sites. They come in many types to meet various needs.

Telescopic Forklifts

The telescopic forklift, or telehandler, is great for reaching high places. It can stretch up to 56 feet high and 41 feet forward.

Rough Terrain Forklifts

For tough terrain, the rough terrain forklift is best. These machines can tackle slopes of up to 40% gradability. They lift heavy loads up to 10,000 pounds, ideal for outdoor projects.

Heavy-Duty Forklifts

The heavy-duty forklift is perfect for lifting heavy items. These machines can lift loads up to 36,000 pounds. They’re vital for big construction sites.

Class	Type	Lift Capacity Range (lbs)	Fuel Type
I	Electric Rider Trucks	3,000 – 40,000	Electric
IV	Internal Combustion Engine Trucks	3,000 – 100,000	Diesel, LP Gas, Gasoline, CNG
V	Internal Combustion Engine Trucks	3,000 – 125,000	Diesel, LP Gas, Gasoline, CNG
VII	Rough Terrain Forklift	Varies	Diesel

Choosing the right forklift helps with moving materials efficiently and boosts productivity. Keeping them well-maintained and training workers is key for safe use and long life.

Construction Lift Types: From Telehandlers to Vertical Mast Lifts

Construction sites use many lifting tools to get the job done. They have telehandlers, vertical mast lifts, and compact lifts for different tasks.

Telehandlers

Telehandlers mix the best of telescopic boom lifts and forklifts. They can handle heavy loads and reach up to 55 feet high. This makes them great for moving stuff over rough ground.

Vertical Mast Lifts

Vertical mast lifts are great for tight spaces. They’re perfect for picking items, doing maintenance, and more. These lifts work well on flat, solid ground and can go up to 40 feet high.

Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are key for construction work. They give workers a stable place to stand and can go from 15 to 50 feet up. Electric ones are good for inside, and the outdoor ones handle rough terrain.

Boom Lifts

Boom lifts come in several types:

• Boom lifts: Available in heights from 30 to 135 feet
• Articulating boom lifts: Flexible for working around obstacles
• Telescopic boom lifts: Offer the greatest horizontal reach

The lifting equipment market is booming and is expected to hit $17.03 billion by 2028. Boom lifts were a big deal in 2020, making up 33.9% of the market. This shows how crucial they are in construction.

Cherry Pickers: Versatile Aerial Access Solutions

Cherry pickers, also known as bucket trucks or aerial lift trucks, are essential in construction and utility maintenance. They provide unmatched access to high places. This makes them crucial for many tasks.

Design and Functionality

Cherry pickers have a hydraulic boom arm with a bucket or platform on top. This setup lets workers safely reach up to 28 meters high. The boom can move up and out, helping workers get past obstacles.

Common Uses in Construction

In construction, cherry pickers are key for tasks that require reaching high places. They’re used for:

• Building maintenance
• Window installation
• Exterior painting
• Roof repairs

These aerial lift trucks are also great for utility maintenance and tree trimming. They can easily get around obstacles. This makes them perfect for reaching power lines and hard-to-get tree branches.

Height Capabilities and Limitations

Cherry pickers can reach up to 92 feet high, which covers many jobs. But, for jobs that need even more height, you might need special equipment. Still, cherry pickers are a top pick for their versatility and efficiency in aerial tasks.

Personnel Lifts: Compact and Efficient Vertical Access

Personnel lifts, also known as man lifts or vertical personnel lifts, are small mechanical ladders. They are made for safe and efficient access up high. These lifts can go as high as 50 feet, making them great for tasks that don’t need big lifts.

Ideal Applications

They are perfect for warehouses, retail spaces, and indoor building projects. You can use them for simple tasks like changing light bulbs or reaching high shelves. Their small size lets them go through normal doors and fit into tight spots easily.

Vertical Mast Lifts

Vertical mast lifts are a type of personnel lift. They are great for getting to places that are hard to reach. Because they are compact, they are often called one-man lifts. These lifts are stable and safe for tasks at moderate heights, like in shopping malls or fixing facades on buildings.

Lift Type	Max Height	Best Use
Standard Personnel Lift	50 feet	Indoor maintenance
Vertical Mast Lift	40 feet	Tight spaces
Push-around Lift	30 feet	Light-duty tasks

Personnel lifts are a safe and efficient way to get up high instead of using ladders. They give a stable place to work, lowering the chance of falling and making workers more productive. For companies wanting to get better at reaching high places safely and efficiently, a vertical personnel lift is a smart choice.

Safety Considerations for Construction Lift Operation

Safety is key when using construction lifts. Taking the right steps can stop accidents and save lives. Let’s look at important safety tips for lift operators and construction teams.

Proper Training and Certification

Training lift operators is crucial for safe use. Trained operators greatly lower the risk of accidents. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor found 24 deaths from aerial lifts, with 20 in construction. Training helps avoid falls, tip-overs, and hitting objects.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is a must for lift operators. Hard hats, safety glasses, and harnesses are essential. You need fall protection if you’re more than 6 feet off the ground. A harness keeps you safe if you fall from the basket.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Keeping equipment in good shape is vital for safety, and regular checks can spot problems early. Always follow weight limits and the maker’s rules to prevent tip-overs.

Safety Measure	Importance	Impact
Operator Training	High	Reduces accidents by 50%
PPE Use	Critical	Prevents 80% of injuries
Equipment Maintenance	Essential	Avoids 70% of mechanical failures

Construction safety rules set strict rules for lift use. This includes correct setup, sticking to load limits, and knowing hazards. By following these rules, construction teams can work safer.

Selecting the Right Types of Construction Lifts for Your Next Project

Choosing the right lift equipment for your construction project is important. You need to think about several things first. Look at the job site’s conditions, like the terrain and if it’s indoors or outdoors. For example, rough terrain scissor lifts are made for outdoor use, while electric scissor lifts are best for inside.

When comparing lifts, think about what your project really needs. Things like how much weight the lift can hold, the size of the platform, and how it’s powered are key. Lifts can lift one person up to 12 feet or lift a group up to 150 feet. Scissor lifts can carry 500 to 2,250 pounds, and boom lifts can carry 425 to 1,000 pounds.

Deciding between renting or buying a lift depends on how long your project will last and how often you’ll use it. Renting might be cheaper for short projects. But buying could be better if you use lifts a lot. Don’t forget to think about maintenance costs and where you’ll store it. By considering these things, you can pick the best lift for your project, making sure it’s safe and efficient.

FAQ